Abstract: A dynamically configurable audience response system includes multiple handsets communicatively coupled to a wireless aggregation point. Each handset includes at least one dynamically configurable operating parameter, such as a handset ID that identifies that handset, one or more parameters defining a communication channel that the handset can use to communicate with the wireless aggregation point, and/or one or more parameters defining various keys that the handset can use to establish a communication link with the wireless aggregation point. In some embodiments, the operating parameters associated with the handsets may be defined dynamically via the wireless aggregation point and without any user interaction with the handset.

Abstract: A 2D code-driven method and system provides for synchronizing camera-equipped wireless computing devices with a centralized computing device to facilitate interactive educational activities.

Abstract: An educational activity system allows a teacher to specify activity parameters, such as subject, grade level, and template format that define an activity for one or more students to complete on a computer. The system then uses the selected activity parameters to determine appropriate subject matter from a content asset database and generates an activity incorporating the determined appropriate subject matter. After a student completed the activity via a computer, the system evaluates the completed activity for correctness and stores the results of each student in a student performance database.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a 2D code-driven method and system for synchronizing a plurality of camera-equipped wireless computing devices with a centralized computing device to facilitate interactive educational activities.

Abstract: A system for recording writing performed on a surface includes a rechargeable stylus, a rechargeable eraser, and a charging station for one or both of the rechargeable stylus and the rechargeable eraser. Each of the rechargeable stylus and the rechargeable eraser includes a pair of charging rings. The charging rings are disposed so as to contact a corresponding pair of charging contacts on a receptacle on the charging station for the stylus or the eraser. The receptacle, charging contacts, and charging rings cooperate to charge rechargeable stylus or the rechargeable eraser when the stylus or eraser is placed into the receptacle.

Abstract: A removable circuit interrupter with circuit-testing capabilities. In one embodiment, a removable circuit interrupter is provided for use with a battery-powered device. The battery-powered device includes a battery and a load that is electrically coupled to the battery. The removable circuit interrupter is configured to be disposed between the battery and the load. The removable circuit interrupter includes a first outer surface having a conductive layer. The removable circuit interrupter further includes a second outer surface having an non-conductive layer. The conductive layer is configured to electrically couple to one of the battery and the load. The non-conductive layer is configured to electrically couple to another one of the battery and the load.

Abstract: A dynamically configurable audience response system includes multiple handsets communicatively coupled to a wireless aggregation point. Each handset includes at least one dynamically configurable operating parameter, such as a handset ID that identifies that handset, one or more parameters defining a communication channel that the handset can use to communicate with the wireless aggregation point, and/or one or more parameters defining various keys that the handset can use to establish a communication link with the wireless aggregation point. In some embodiments, the operating parameters associated with the handsets may be defined dynamically via the wireless aggregation point and without any user interaction with the handset.

Abstract: An interactive whiteboard system allows a user to interact, using a stylus, with a computer and a display. The interactive whiteboard system includes a monitor or projector that duplicates or replaces the computer display, and a capture bar that facilitates, via the stylus and the monitor or projected display, interaction between the user and the computer. One or more transmitters integrated with the capture bar operate to control a power state of a projector or display monitor. The integrated transmitters may operate according to the power state of the mobile device, or may operate according to a command from a button integrated in the mobile device or a command from the computer.

Abstract: An audience response system with dynamic user interfaces and methods of using such an audience response system. The audience response system includes a wireless aggregation point and multiple remote handsets communicatively coupled to that wireless aggregation point. The remote handsets may be used (e.g., by students) to answer questions (e.g., posed by a teacher). At least some of the remote handsets may include user interfaces that include user input interface elements that are configurable via the wireless aggregation point. Additionally, the user interfaces of at least some of the remote handsets may provide feedback to the students regarding their interaction with the remote handsets.

Abstract: A dynamic multiple access protocol for use in an audience response system. The audience response system includes a wireless aggregation point (e.g., a base station) and multiple handsets communicatively coupled to the wireless aggregation point. In order for the handsets to communicate effectively with the wireless aggregation point, the wireless aggregation point sends out, to the handsets, a beacon frame that specifies time slots during which the handsets may transmit data to the wireless aggregation point. However, the beacon frame does not assign any particular time slot to any particular handset. Instead, the handsets are free to select the time slots, specified by the beacon frame, during which to transmit data to the wireless aggregation point.

Abstract: A system for recording writing performed on a surface includes a rechargeable stylus, a rechargeable eraser, and a charging station for one or both of the rechargeable stylus and the rechargeable eraser. Each of the rechargeable stylus and the rechargeable eraser includes a pair of charging rings. The charging rings are disposed so as to contact a corresponding pair of charging contacts on a receptacle on the charging station for the stylus or the eraser. The receptacle, charging contacts, and charging rings cooperate to charge rechargeable stylus or the rechargeable eraser when the stylus or eraser is placed into the receptacle.